LocationsNew economic, livelihood initiative for non-Moro indigenous peoples in ancestral domains rolls out
March 23, 2026
Signing of a tripartite agreement formalizing the partnership between the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG), and UNDP Philippines for the implementation of the Japan-funded CEDAR Project.
Upi, Maguindanao del Norte – A landmark partnership to boost economic productivity of select Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) communities in Maguindanao has commenced. This was formalized through an agreement signed by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG), and UNDP Philippines.
Supported by the Government of Japan, the Project on Promoting Human Security through the Community Economic Development and Livelihood Initiatives in Bangsamoro Region in the Philippines, or CEDAR, implemented by UNDP, underwent needs assessment, consultations, and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process. This led to the issuance of a Certificate of Precondition in accordance with the Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples Act (BIPA) of 2024.
Classified as a Non-Extractive, Small-Scale Activity (NESSA), Project CEDAR fulfilled initial requirements for coordination and community engagement and was the first to be formally issued a Resolution of Consent signed by the IP community leaders and representatives. The resolution is a crucial aspect of the project to proceed with the MOU, prioritizing indigenous knowledge and culturally rooted approaches at every stage of implementation.
“Together with our partners, MIPA is committed to protecting and preserving the ideals of the Indigenous Peoples in the BARMM,” shared MIPA Minister Guiamal Abdulrahman.
The signing ceremony also covered the handover of quick-impact support for ICT equipment to enhance internet connectivity and access in partner barangays. Additional interventions will include the provision of physical assets alongside capacity development and organizational strengthening that align with area-based development plans.
As a long-standing partner of the indigenous peoples in BARMM and the first project to navigate the formal consent and protocols set by BIPA 2024, UNDP Philippines Cotabato Head of Office Winston Aylmer Camariñas expressed how the process is just as vital as the project’s goals and intention: “The support we provide is as important as the process we follow, a process that includes you, the community. Your involvement matters because as we work together for economic growth, we’re also ensuring that your rights remain protected.”
Turnover of ICT equipment to partner barangays as part of the Project’s quick-impact support to enhance internet access and connectivity.
Nelson Fedencio, Barangay Chairperson of Bantek in Upi, cited the value of this partnership and how the IP communities can gain from the project’s support: “We’re excited as we move forward with this partnership. We value consultations as it recognizes that we are knowledgeable about the needs of our people, and that solutions can start from us.”
By placing the protection of rights, interests, and ancestral domains of Indigenous Peoples, Project CEDAR works with partners to foster inclusive and sustainable development in BARMM. [E]
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The Project CEDAR aims to enhance human security by strengthening community economic development through targeted livelihood support, and to contribute to an enabling environment for sustainable area-based development in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities, promote human security through community economic development and livelihood initiatives, and enhance local capacities to implement community transformation for peace process. CEDAR is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines.
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